Hi all!

So I've tried just about everything other than a straight razor or a laser. Every time I shave with a blade (either disposable or "Mach3" cartridge type) I get terrible ingrown hairs on my neck area. I've tried about every technique/pre-shave/post-shave/etc that I can find and nothing seems to help. For a couple years now, I've just been wearing a short beard (1/4"-1/2" more or less). My electric razor even leaves my face irritated (and doesn't cut all that well). My hair is like the bristles of a wire brush (cartridge razors are dull to the point of discomfort after one or two shaves). My face is moderately oily, but I generally don't have acne issues other than small blackheads.

Do any of you have similar issues? Could a properly prepared and employed straight razor save me a lot of discomfort and unsightly razor bumps? I don't have super fair skin, but it's fair enough that ingrown hairs/razor bumps are pretty unsightly.

Thanks!